Most of us rarely pay much attention to our internal organs until somethings goes wrong, and your lungs are no exception. However, during this time of the Covid 19 pandemic, peoples’ lungs are getting a lot of attention, and for a good reason. Doctors are finding that patients with the Covid 19 virus who have existing health conditions, especially lung issues, tend to be at a higher risk for having life-threatening symptoms or dying from this virus. And those severe symptoms are lung-related, including shortness of breath and a kind of pneumonia that can progress to sepsis and organ failure.
Like all of your internal organs, your lungs affect everything in your body and have a significant impact on your overall health.
Here are some things to know about your lungs:
- In Chinese medicine, your lung system encompasses the path of your breath, from your nose and sinuses to your airways and into your lungs and diaphragm. Your lung system is also responsible for oxygenating your blood, the health of your skin, the opening and closing of your pores, and the strength of your immune system.
- Your lungs are considered to be the most exterior of your internal organs because it takes in the outside world with every breath you take. As a result, your lungs are the organs that tend to be the first and most frequently affected by outside pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and pollen.
- In Chinese medicine, your lung system is responsible for the health of your immune system. Immunity is seen as something like a protective shield, which safeguards you from exterior pathogens. The strength of your protective shield is related to the strength of your overall energy and health. Therefore, good health and abundant energy, or Qi, translate into strong immunity.
- Your lungs also work with other organs to help regulate moisture in your body. You can see your lung’s moisture when you breathe onto a mirror and it fogs up. While your lungs can become dry, especially in the fall, they are also prone to too much moisture in the form of phlegm. It’s that excess of moisture and debris in the lungs has been a hallmark symptom of the Covid 19 virus that has created the need for critical care in some patients.
- Some signs of lung issues or a lung weakness are obvious; coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, other symptoms of lung problems are less obvious. In Chinese medicine, a weak voice, getting frequent colds and flu, sinus infections, asthma, and chronic rhinitis may also be considered signs of a weak lung system.
- There are a number of ways to strengthen your lung system, and doing so not only improves lung function, but helps to enhance your immunity. One of the best ways to strengthen your lungs is by using them. Take three or four relaxing deep breaths, sing loudly, exercise at a pace that makes you breathe heavily, take a yoga class, or do some meditative breath work—all can help improve your lung function.
- Good posture is also key to lung health. When you’re hunched over your computer or phone, your lungs become compressed and less efficient. If you sit or stand up straight, it allows your lungs to fill completely with each breath, and it stretches your diaphragm and the muscles that are used when you breathe.
- Chinese food therapy can be used to strengthen your energy and organ systems, including your lungs. Light proteins, lots of colorful fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats help to build your overall energy and protective Qi. White foods, such as mushrooms and root vegetables are also helpful. If you’re prone to lung dryness, apples and pears are a good choice. Slightly spicy foods can benefit your lungs, especially if you’re in the early stages of a cold or flu. Scallions, ginger, and mildly spicy peppers can make your nose run and help bring on a sweat to release a mild fever.
- If you’re prone to phlegm conditions, such as asthma, sinus problems, and post-nasal drainage, dietary modifications may also help. Avoid foods that promote phlegm including dairy products, rich or greasy foods, and those that have been overly processed.
- If you’re struggling with lung conditions, Chinese medicine has a lot to offer in the form of acupuncture and herbal formulas. Whether you’re dealing with poor immune function, asthma, chronic sinus problems, or phlegm in your lungs, there are herbal combinations that are formulated specifically for your needs.
Your lungs are important to optimal health, and during this time of the Covid 19 virus, lung health is more important than ever. While you may be feeling helpless in the wake of this virus, it’s helpful to know that there are a number of steps you can take with Chinese medicine to safeguard your lungs and strengthen your immunity.
Cindy Chamberlain is an acupuncturist in Overland Park, KS and the founder of Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC. She is licensed in Kansas and Missouri and has been practicing traditional Chinese medicine since 1996.
